The format of an investigation is within the discretion of the Public Protector as envisaged in section 7(1)(b)(i) of the Act, but may include the following or any combination thereof:
| (a) |
Communication by telephone, email or any other form of correspondence; |
| (b) |
meetings with affected parties or persons reasonably believed to have information relevant to the investigation; |
| (c) |
appearance of a person before the Public Protector for purposes of obtaining or clarifying information, producing any document or giving evidence in terms of section7(4)(a) of the Act; |
| (d) |
obtaining records or documents relevant to the investigation which are in the possession or under control of a state institution; and |
| (e) |
proceedings before the Public Protector to obtain public input or comments on the subject matter. |
Protection of Businesses Act, 1978
